PR pro calls out Ann Romney, provokes angry response

Two ways Hilary Rosen’s statement on CNN on Wednesday night hurt the Obama campaign’s messaging today.

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Rosen, who is managing partner at the political communications firm SKDKnickerbocker, appeared on CNN last where she said: Ann Romney “never worked a day in her life.” The comment inspired Ann Romney to start a Twitter account. Her first tweet read:

“I made a choice to stay home and raise five boys. Believe me, it was hard work.”

TV hosts and pundits this morning defended Ann Romney. For instance, Mika Brzezinski, co-host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” said: “That’s an unfortunate statement … It’s not an argument. She [Ann Romney] works.”

Even President Obama—via his advisors—disavowed Rosen’s statements. In a tweet on Thursday night, Obama’s campaign manager Jim Messina said:

“I could not disagree with Hilary Rosen any more strongly. Her comments were wrong and family should be off-limits. She should apologize.”

David Axelrod, a top advisor to the president, added in a tweet:

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